South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana

Johannesburg, South Africa

WW
Walker Wellness Retreats
  • Email address verified
79 reviews
Jul 18 - 26, 2024
Group size: 8 - 10
South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana
Johannesburg, South Africa

Walker Wellness Retreats
  • Email address verified
79 reviews

Jul 18 - 26, 2024
Group size: 8 - 10

About this trip

Join Walker Wellness Retreats on this 8-night/9-day all-inclusive luxury adventure to Africa! We will visit South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. From the time we pick you up at the airport, everything will be taken care of. All transportation, meals, and activities are included. 


The great part about visiting South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana during July is that it is winter there, which means there are very few to no bugs!


Please note that everything is entirely optional. The itinerary is subject to change due to weather. This retreat is a little more active as we will be moving from place to place. We cover a lot of land, but we hope to provide you with a nice mixture of relaxation and excursions. Please also note that the retreat officially starts on the first day of the welcome dinner and ends after breakfast on the last day.

Helpful Information

All travelers need a visa to enter Zimbabwe. Visas are issued on arrival (VoA) at the respective point of entry and vary in length depending on the traveler's needs. All travelers must obtain visas at the port of entry, as currently, there is no option of obtaining a visa through the Zimbabwean Embassy.


You do not need a visa for South Africa or Botswana at this time.


No vaccines are mandatory, but please review the suggested vaccines at least six weeks before your trip's departure. 


The best thing to do is to book an appointment at your local travel clinic and tell them you are going to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana and which vaccines they feel you should get. 


They recommend Hep A and B, Malaria ( though you are going in winter, so less of a risk for sure), Typhoid, and Yellow Fever ( you are good for life once you get this one).


It's good to have rabies, meningitis, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap, pneumonia, and influenza. Your primary care doctor or your local travel clinic can tell you which vaccines you've already had and which ones you need.


Please make sure your passport has at least three empty pages and is valid for at least six months after you return from your trip.


USD can be accepted, but please make sure you have new, crisp bills with no imperfections so they can be accepted.


If you would like to extend your stay in Africa, Walker Wellness Retreats can assist you. Please contact Amy Walker at [email protected] to review your options. After this retreat, we will be going to Rwanda and Uganda.

Game Drives at Senalala Safari Lodge

During our stay at Senalala Safari Lodge, guests can enjoy twice-daily game drives (approximately 3 hours long) in open safari vehicles that offer unobstructed views in all directions. The first game drive leaves soon after sunrise, with a stop for coffee or tea and a snack in the bush. The second game drive departs in the late afternoon with a stop for sun-downers, where guests can watch the sunset over the African horizon. After the sun sets, we continue with a drive back to the lodge aided by a spotlight for night sightings. 


The animals roam free, and we get to view them in this open habitat. In exceptional circumstances, vehicles will go off-road for unusual sightings, providing guests with a unique safari experience to get close to Africa’s wildlife. 

Packing List

 What should I bring with me to Africa?

  • Casual, comfortable clothes are key. The morning and afternoon game drives will be colder than you think, so please bring warm clothing. 
  • Bring your own shampoo and conditioner. The shampoo throughout Africa is not great and its very hard to find shampoo.
  • Wear clothes in khaki, green, beige, and neutral colors. We suggest keeping to light, neutral colors, but not white—it will get dirty and dusty very quickly.
  • Long-sleeved shirts that offer protection from the sun and mosquitoes
  • T-shirts
  • Flip flops for walking around or using the pool
  • Bathing suit
  • Poncho for the falls
  • Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
  • Jackets and sweaters for early morning and late afternoon game drives
  • A lightweight waterproof jacket in case of rain
  • During the day, it can be warm, so our advice is to pack loose, lightweight layers in natural fabrics such as linen, bamboo, and cotton that will keep you cool and are easier to wash and dry.
  • A wide-brimmed safari hat to protect your face and neck.
  • Long trousers and long-sleeved tops are best, as they protect you from the harsh sun during the day and mosquitoes at night.
  • Take comfy, practical footwear for daytime—the roads are dusty and uneven—and make sure you have sturdy, closed-in walking shoes or trainers for trekking in the bush. 
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent,  moisturizer, and lip salve.
  • Binoculars and camera equipment.
  • Leave your valuables and expensive jewelry at home. You really won't need them.
  • A pashmina or sarong is a versatile item that you can use for sun protection or to 'glam' up the simplest of outfits if you feel like a change.
  • Power converter – a universal converter can be purchased from Amazon.
  • Please backlight. The small planes we will take have weight restrictions. A soft-sided rucksack is more practical than a hard suitcase—it's easier to fit into small planes or transfer vehicles. Using packing cubes can also help keep your belongings tidy while compressing the volume. 
  • Use a portable phone charger to boost your battery when out and about—you don't want to miss that great photo opportunity!
  • Do not pack valuables in your checked bag.
  • Please consult with your doctor or local travel clinic at least six weeks before your adventure to Africa to find out what medications and vaccinations are best for you.
  • Please visit https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/Africa to review safe travel tips and other information related to the country you will be visiting in Africa.
  • Please bring a credit card, debit card, and around $100-$200 in cash for emergencies. You can take out money at the ATM when you arrive, and it will be in local currency. This is an all-inclusive retreat, but you will need money for small purchases and personal tipping.
  • Please bring small bills in USD for personal tipping. USD is accepted.

Meet Your Host

Amy Walker, MSW, LCSW, CCM, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats. Amy started Walker Wellness Retreats in 2016 due to her love for travel and helping others experience the world. When Amy is not leading international retreats, she works as an online mental health therapist. Amy is passionate about helping individuals and couples work through barriers and find new ways to communicate, connect, and thrive. In addition, Amy loves international travel, wine tasting, whale watching, and the outdoors. Amy works alongside her husband, Brian Walker, to run Walker Wellness Retreats. 


Amy has a love for traveling to Africa and has led 6 group travel trips to Africa and counting!


To meet more of the Walker Wellness Retreats team, visit the About Us page on our website. 

Payment & Cancellation Policy

If you cancel your trip before the 90-day deadline, 25% of the total trip price is non-refundable, as are any airfare, train tickets, or ferry tickets purchased as part of your trip package due to the strict cancellation policy by foreign carriers (if applicable).


Trip cancellations requested after the final payment deadlines listed above are non-refundable, and guests are encouraged to file a claim with their travel insurance for reimbursement. 


In the unlikely event Walker Wellness Retreats cancels the retreat, guests will be provided a full 100% refund of their booking. 


Lastly, we partner with several third-party booking platforms that have separate deposit and cancellation policies. If you book through a third-party partner, please refer to their specific cancellation policies.


Questions about refunds or cancellations? Click here to view our payment and cancellation policy.


The deadline to book an international retreat is 30 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Please email us at [email protected] to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.

What’s included

  • Accommodations
    9 days/8 nights in luxurious accommodations
  • Airport Transfers
    Pick-up and drop-off at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
  • Airfare during retreat
    Economy flights between Johannesburg, Hoedspruit, and Victoria Falls
  • Meals
    All meals and drinks during the retreat
  • Transportation
    All transportation during the retreat
  • Excursions
    Private excursions with a local guide
  • Gratuity
    Gratuities for tour guides, restaurant staff, and drivers
  • Game Drives
    Twice-daily game drives while staying in South Africa
  • Elephant Encounter
    Get up close and personal with elephants
  • Victoria Falls
    Marvel at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe on a tour of the falls
  • Chobe National Park
    Spot a plethora of wildlife in this surreal national park in Botswana
  • Zambezi River Cruise
    Zambezi River Cruise
  • Boma Dinner
    Boma Dinner in Victoria Falls
  • Retreat Gift
    Tote Bag

What’s not included

  • International Airfare
    Airfare to and from Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Additional Items
    Souvenirs, drinks, snacks, additional excursions, or other personal items
  • Additional Gratuity
    Gratuities of a personal nature (hotel staff, spa services, etc.)
  • Alcoholic Beverages
    Additional alcoholic beverages enjoyed outside of Senalala Lodge
  • Insurance
    Travel insurance and medical insurance (required)
  • Travel Fees
    Any travel-related fees (visas, passports, baggage, etc.)
  • Visa
    Visa on arrival for Zimbabwe $30-$45

Available Packages

All-Inclusive Double Occupancy

Double occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for 2 people.


Helpful hints: If you have two people who would like to share a room, select 2 Double Occupancy packages. If you are traveling alone but want to be paired with another solo traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package. If you are traveling alone and want your own room, select 1 Single Occupancy package below.

$6,395
Deposit: $1,000
All-Inclusive Solo Occupancy

Solo occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for 1 person.


Helpful hints: If you are traveling alone but want to share a room with another traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package above. If you are booking for two people who would like to share a room, select 2 Double Occupancy packages above. 

$7,895
Deposit: $1,000

Available Add-Ons

4-Day Cape Town Extension
$1,995
Deposit: $0

Want more of South Africa? Enjoy a 4-day/3-night extension in Cape Town (see trip description for more details).

Extra Night Hotel in Johannesburg
$108

 This is for an extra night at the hotel in Johannesburg before the retreat starts.

Additional Airfare
$400

Airfare from Johannesburg to Cape Town



Itinerary

Day 1 July 18th, 2024
Arrival & Orientation

Welcome to South Africa! Here you start your luxury African safari adventure! 


You will be picked up from O.R. Tambo International Airport and taken to your hotel for the evening. The retreat does not officially start until the welcome dinner at the hotel.


7:00 PM - Orientation and dinner as a group at the hotel.


Overnight at the Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo Airport. Just a short 6 minute drive from the airport.

Your Organizer


WW
Walker Wellness Retreats
79 reviews
Welcome to Walker Wellness Retreats! Thank you for taking the time to learn about us! We created Walker Wellness Retreats to share the positive impact travel can have with as many people as possible. Travel makes the world seem not so large. It opens your mind to new ways of thinking. Together we can use our diverse skills and experience of traveling the world to design and plan incredible adventures to bring like-minded travelers together to unique places around the globe!

Reviews

My friends and I had the best time visiting Zion and Bryce Canyon! The accommodations were beautiful. We enjoyed the wrap-around deck views, relaxing in the hot tub after hiking, and the star-gazing was phenomenal! Alle was a very knowledgeable yoga instructor who did a great job of guiding us through stretches and flows to prepare us for hiking and address any aches and pains afterwards. The concierge service and direction she provided in the parks was a fabulous and worry-free way to travel. Our chef, Amber, completely spoiled us with her delicious, healthy cooking to fuel our hikes and her desserts were off the charts! Thanks for taking such good care of us :) It was fun to meet like-minded yogis and nature lovers from across the country!
By Molly B for Zion National Park Hiking & Yoga on May 01, 2025
I was amazed by the care and kindness by everyone involved. My room was amazing. Loved the hot tub. The views and the walks were breathtaking. A personal chef, come on. A Yoga instructor, come on. The car ride was more than I expected getting to and from the cabin. Other than that, I had the best time. Highly recommend visiting! (Oh, bring an analog watch.)
By Christina A for Zion National Park Hiking & Yoga (Jessica Posillico) on Apr 24, 2025
Thank you, Christina! We’re so glad you felt the care and kindness from our team—it’s exactly what we hope every guest experiences. From the views and hikes to the hot tub and chef-prepared meals (yes, come on! 😄), we’re thrilled it all came together for a trip you’ll remember. And love the analog watch tip—we might need to add that to our packing list! Hope to see you again on another retreat soon.
By Walker Wellness Retreats on Apr 24, 2025
WW
Absolutely incredible and highly recommend! The views, food, company, and staff were top tier. Don’t hesitate and book your retreat now. You won’t be disappointed only wish you had done it sooner.
By KERSTIN M for Zion National Park Hiking & Yoga (Jessica Posillico) on Apr 23, 2025
Thank you so much, Kerstin! We’re so happy to hear the views, food, company, and our team made your experience truly special. Your kind words mean the world to us—and we’re beyond grateful you joined us. Can’t wait to welcome you back for another adventure!
By Walker Wellness Retreats on Apr 24, 2025
WW
This was an 11/10 experience for me as a retreat co-host with Walker Wellness and as a human experiencing this retreat. Each day, excursion, meal, and yoga journey topped the former. I'm still riding a high of gratitude from this soul cleansing & peace centering trip! Thank you, Walker Wellness team for this life imprinting experience! If you are a retreat host looking to partner with a team of EXPERTS - Walker Wellness is it.
By Jessica P for Zion National Park Hiking & Yoga (Jessica Posillico) on Apr 16, 2025
Jessica, thank you so much for your kind words and for being such a thoughtful, inspiring co-host. It was an absolute joy to partner with you and your incredible group—we’re so grateful to have shared this experience together. We’re already looking forward to planning the next adventure with you and creating even more unforgettable memories!
By Walker Wellness Retreats on Apr 16, 2025
WW
JS
This was my second trip with Walker Wellness, this time to celebrate my 50th birthday. Cherry blossoms in Japan has been a long time bucket list trip for me, and Amy did not disappoint. From the moment I signed up, she was in communication with me to ensure the itinerary was everything I wanted. Her attention to detail and excellent service along with first class luxury experience made this a trip I will never forget. We were a small group of five women, I travelled solo and felt more comfortable abroad not knowing the language to go with a retreat group that I knew and had a great experience with before. Immediately, the other women embraced me into their fold, and now I feel like I have made new friends that I would easily travel with again. If you’re on the fence, do not hesitate, I can’t imagine a better way to experience Japan for the first time! I’ll definitely be traveling with them again!
By Jilleen S for Japan Cherry Blossoms on Apr 10, 2025
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